Rarity from the Hollow [Formato Kindle]

"Rarity From the Hollow" was a great read and nothing like I expected! The author takes the reader on a fun filled journey through the fictional world that he has created. Before reading the story, I had made a number of assumptions, based on the author's background and the description of the book, but I was wrong on all counts. I thought that the story might get preachy and heavy handed in the delivery of its message. I thought that maybe this was just another author trying to copy Douglas Adams and the very successful, "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series. I could not have been more wrong on both counts. The book does deal with some very serious issues, including child abuse, poverty, lack of education and substance abuse. Instead of the story getting mired in the characters difficulties though, the author uses them to pull the reader in and create empathy. Mr. Eggleton has truly found his own style and voice as he weaves a wonderful tongue-in-cheek science fiction tale that is an absolute joy to read.

Lacy Dawn, a young girl from the hills of West Virginia, is already struggling to help those she cares about overcome poverty, a lack of education and the scars of war, when she's told that she is the only one who can save the universe. Instead of refusing to accept the weighty news, she simply wants to know what is endangering the universe and how she is supposed to accomplish the monumental task. Unfortunately, the strange messenger's only reply is that those are things she must discover it for herself.

Lacy Dawn assembles her team from those she knows best; her war traumatized father, beat down mother, the family dog, their marijuana growing neighbor and the mysterious messenger, DOTCOM. Together they set off on their journey to discover exactly what is endangering the universe and how they can fix it. Along the way each of them does their part and learns that no matter how worthless they feel, they still have value to the others and to the universe.
The author does an incredible job of effortlessly weaving serious topics and light hearted fun together throughout the story. If you are a fan of humor, great science fiction storytelling, tales that keep you guessing, or just a good read, then "Rarity From the Hollow" is an absolute must read. I can honestly say that I have never read a book quite like this and I encourage everyone to take the time to read it. On top of it being a good story, the proceeds go to benefit a very worthwhile cause.

I loved this story because there was so much reality about it that one coming from WV could relate to, having either lived through, or knew of someone who had lived through, such similar conditions. This story will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to help in so many ways and on so many levels. It is well worth the read, and I do hope to hear more from this author, Robert Eggleton! And, needless to say, I love the idea of part of the proceeds of this book is going to help such a worthy cause! Thank you Mr. Eggleton for such a wonderful experience and the opportunity to help, even in some small way.

Life can be tough as many of our children nowadays are finding out. Parental love is a luxury withheld from many of us, some kids crumble others persevere regardless of the shambles. Lacey Dawn is one of the latter living an inner life to take the place of and somehow explain the misery and poverty of rural West Virginia.
I grew up in the Midwest but the story resonates from my childhood over 70 years ago. I grew up isolated figuring that everyone else had a normal happy family. I toughed it out but not without deep scars. This is an impressive book, well worthy of a literary prize. for once I read it one chapter at a time rather than speeding through the book--lots to think about. For me a healing experience.